AMONG the headlines for Wednesday, September 1, 2021, The Penang legislative assembly has approved an amendment to the state constitution to allow those aged 18 to contest in elections, with the move receiving bipartisan support.
The move to lower the age limit from 21 to 18 was brought forth by Penang Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee, allowing the state to join six others that have approved similar amendments.
Also, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said it is monitoring a new coronavirus variant known as "Mu", which was first identified in Colombia in January.
Mu, known scientifically as B.1.621, has been classified as a "variant of interest", the global health body said.
The WHO said the variant has mutations that indicate a risk of resistance to vaccines and stressed that further studies were needed to better understand it.
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Astro Awani
Wed Sep 01 2021
A rundown of the most important stories you need to know for the day, from the newsroom of Astro AWANI.
Govt to ensure establishment of SEGiM aligns with introduction of Gig Workers Bill
The government intends to ensure that the establishment of the Malaysian Gig Economy Commission (SEGiM) is in line with the introduction of the Gig Workers Bill.
UK steel industry warns of damage as Trump tariffs come into force
US President Donald Trump's tariffs on UK steel "couldn't come at a worse time," the industry has warned as the levy on US imports is introduced, reported PA Media/dpa news.
Penang allocates RM49.45 million for Phase 1 of i-Sejahtera Programme
The Penang government has allocated RM49.45 million for 274,151 recipients under Phase 1 of the i-Sejahtera Programme this year.
PM Anwar calls on all parties to be agents of unity, help unite people of different races
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on all Malaysians to join hands to become agents of unity and assist the MADANI Government in its efforts to unite all Malaysians
Women representation in senior management fall to 36.2 pct in 2025
The Grant Thornton Women in Business Report reveals a concerning decline in the representation of women in senior management positions in Malaysia.
Singapore Airlines prohibits usage, charging of power banks from April 1
Singapore Airlines (SIA) passengers will not be allowed to use power banks or charge them throughout their flight effective April 1.
Captain of cargo ship arrested over fatal collision in North Sea
The cargo ship captain involved in the North Sea's deadly collision has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.
No plans to follow us in repatriating illegal immigrants - KDN
For the period up to March 9 this year, the total number of deportations from Immigration depots was 9,199 people.
Air pollution responsible for nearly 7 million deaths annually worldwide
A report by the World Air Quality Index indicated that only 17 per cent of cities worldwide meet the recommended air quality standards.
At least 137 Gazans killed in Israeli attacks since ceasefire
According to the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor , Israel has been killing an average of seven Palestinians every two days.
Malaysia strengthens semiconductor supply chain with ASEAN member countries - Liew
Malaysia does not intend to compete with neighbouring countries or other ASEAN member states in its efforts to strengthen supply chains.
Six men arrested for alleged misappropriation of subsidised cooking oil in Semenyih
Six men, including five foreigners in their 30s, were arrested for alleged misappropriation of subsidised cooking oil.
Hamas says new round of Gaza ceasefire talks has begun
expressing optimism that the talks could lead to "tangible progress"
Ukraine says ready to accept 30-day ceasefire with Russia
Ukraine conveyed its readiness to accept a 30-day ceasefire with Russia, as delegations from Kyiv and Washington met in Saudi Arabia.
Musk's SpaceX agrees Starlink cooperation with Airtel in India
Tech billionaire Elon Musk plans to enter the Indian internet market with his Starlink satellite system, reported German news agency dpa.
Trump announces higher steel and aluminium tariffs for Canada
US President Donald Trump plans to impose additional high tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from Canada.
![[COLUMNIST] The futility of resisting English: A barrier to national progress](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2025-03/81741686561_EMIR.jpg "[COLUMNIST] The futility of resisting English: A barrier to national progress")
[COLUMNIST] The futility of resisting English: A barrier to national progress
Promoting Malay language doesn't mean disparaging or undermining other languages, we can uplift it without diminishing others.
What is driving the bloodshed in Syria?
The violence has pitted the Islamist-led government's security forces against fighters from Assad's Alawite minority.
Only seven countries met WHO air quality standards in 2024, data shows
Only Australia, New Zealand, the Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Estonia and Iceland made the grade, according to IQAir.
Gaza hunger crisis could return if Israeli blockade continues, UN relief agency chief says
UNRWA warns the situation in Gaza is quickly deteriorating.